When the New York Yankees did it to the Orioles on April 12, it was the first time the men in pinstripes had turned such a play on their home diamond since June 3, 1968.

Last week, the Aberdeen IronBirds pulled off such a defensive feat for the first time in the ballclub's history of 10-plus seasons.

The ever elusive triple play is a rare gem of the American national pastime.

Fittingly enough, it took the IronBirds until they were having arguably their best season to turn the triple play.

It came early in the game last Wednesday at Ripken Stadium. The visiting Mahoning Valley Scrappers put their first two batters on base with a bunt and a base hit, according to Dewey Fox's account published Friday. The third batter slapped a liner to pitcher Sebastian Vader, who made the grab for the first out.

The men on base were caught off guard as they had started for second and third, respectively. The pitcher threw to second baseman Jeff Kemp, who recorded the second out. Kemp then threw to Trey Mancini at first to catch the other runner trying to get back to the base.

Given the struggles the IronBirds and their fans have endured in most seasons since the team came into being, the triple play coming in a season when the team is sporting a respectable record marks something of a coming of age for an increasingly seasoned organization.

Let's hope it's not another decade before the Aberdeen team is able to pull off something as impressive as a triple play.